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Hamburg-Köln-Express

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Thomas5388 (talk | contribs) at 08:52, 1 August 2012 (Some information about the route (intermediate stops) and the planned stop at Sagehorn). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Hamburg-Köln-Express
File:Hkx-Logo-cmyk.jpg
Route of HKX[1]
note that the trains do not stop at Sagehorn yet.[2]
Overview
HeadquartersBerlin, Germany
LocaleGermany
Dates of operation2012–
Technical
Electrification15 kV 16.7 Hz
Other
Websitehttps://www.hkx.de

Hamburg-Köln-Express GmbH (HKX) is a Berlin-based open-access[clarification needed] train operating company aiming to offer long-distance railway passenger services in Germany. It was founded in October 2009 as a joint venture by Railroad Development Corporation (RDC) Deutschland GmbH, an affiliate of USA-based Railroad Development Corp., Locomore rail GmbH & CO. KG, and British railway investor Michael Schabas.[3]

Since 23 July 2012, HKX operates regular services between Hamburg-Altona and Cologne. The journey over the whole route takes about 4h 20min,[4] which is similar to that of the IC or ICE services operated by DB, but the intention is to charge lower fares.[5]

Start

Services were initially planned to start in August 2010 but this was postponed[6] as there were unresolved pathing conflicts between Keolis and HKX in the access application process with DB infrastructure affiliate DB Netz. After Keolis withdrew its applications in April 2010, a framework contract was signed in June 2010. The framework contract expires in December 2015.[7]

As of March 2012 the proposed service had still not had its safety case approved by the national rail authority EBA.[8]

HKX began selling tickets on 4 July 2012 and started operation on 23 July 2012.

Operations

Since 23 July 2012, HKX operates at least one train per direction each day. From Thursdays to Sundays, additional trains provide up to three trains per day and direction, including a late night "Mitternachts-Express" (Midnight Express) on Sundays, reaching Hamburg at 01.55 the following morning. Fares for the entire route range from €20 to €60.[4][8]

Between its termini, the Hamburg-Köln-Express stops at most intermediate stations also served by DB long distance trains, but leaves out Düsseldorf Airport and Bremen Hbf. The HKX uses the freight line which bypasses Bremen, as the route throught the city would yield a longer journey time to Hamburg. Instead, an additional stop at nearby Sagehorn was planned, but is not realized yet. The introduction of this stop to the change of timetable in December 2012 is surveyed.[2]

On 14 March 2012 Veolia Verkehr, a subsidiary of Veolia-Transdev, signed an agreement to operate the services under contract to HKX. Veolia will provide drivers and locomotives. Temporarily, services are operated with former Rheingold coaches hauled by leased Siemens ES 64 U2 "Taurus" type electric locos, which are to be replaced by refurbished Class 4010 type trainsets formerly owned by ÖBB.[9]

Company's founders

RDC Deutschland GmbH (75%) is based in Berlin and is a 100% subsidiary of the Railroad Development Corporation (RDC). RDC is a Pittsburgh-based railway investment and management company founded in 1987 by Henry Posner III and Robert A. Pietrandrea which has invested in railway operations all over the world. locomore rail GmbH & CO. KG (17.5%) is a railway traffic enterprise in Berlin with the focus on long-distance traffic. Michael Schabas (7.5%) is a railway investor in London.

Management

Eva Kreienkamp, CEO and CFO, responsible for business development, strategy, marketing, sales and communication, finances, controlling, legal issues, purchase, human resources. Also managing director RDC Deutschland GmbH. Carsten Carstensen, COO, responsible for railway operations and service operation. Also managing director of the railway traffic company locomore Rail GmbH.

References

  1. ^ Locomore Rail.
  2. ^ a b "Hamburg-Köln-Express hält erst ab Dezember 2012 im Raum Bremen" (in German). Verkehrsverbund Bremen/Niedersachsen. {{cite news}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  3. ^ "Ryanair auf Schienen". WirtschaftsWoche. Nr. 46, 9 November 2009.Template:De icon
  4. ^ a b "HKX Timetable". Retrieved 24 July 2012.
  5. ^ "Wir sind billiger". WirtschaftsWoche Nr. 15. 12 April 2010.Template:De icon
  6. ^ "Privatanbieter attackiert Bahn mit Billig-Angeboten". Welt Online. 12 August 2011.Template:De icon
  7. ^ "Konkurrenten der Bahn geben auf". Süddeutsche Zeitung (Munich). Nr. 82, 10 April 2010.Template:De icon
  8. ^ a b "Inter-city competition edges closer". Railway Gazette International. London. 14 March 2012.
  9. ^ "HKX prepares to take on DB". Railway Gazette International. London. 5 July 2012.
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